[OGD] The revolution in RHS hybrid registrations

[Steven Beckendorf]

For those interested in the changes in the RHS hybrid registration 
system that are being caused by DNA-based taxonomy, there is an 
interesting article by Alec Pridgeon in the current issue of 
"Orchids".  In addition to reviewing the necessity of major changes, 
Alec proposes a way to avoid the quagmire that would result from 
retroactively changing all hybrid names to agree with new generic 
alignments.  Although this may not provide a satisfactory solution 
for everyone, it's interesting and thought provoking.  In short, he 
suggests that hybrids be registered as members of a breeding group 
rather than being given a synthetic, intergeneric name such as 
Colmanara or Potinara.  In his system, breeding groups would have an 
-ana ending, so we would have Oncidiana Wildcat or Laeliana Hoku Gem.

The advantage is that breeding groups are broadly defined and likely 
to remain quite stable, even if there are further changes in the 
names of genera within a breeding group.  In addition, hybrid names 
would be vastly simplified because instead of the proliferation of 
Nothogenera (intergeneric names now being used), there are only a few 
breeding groups that are frequently used to make hybrids.  Without 
checking extensively I come up with Laeliana, Oncidiana, 
Pluerothallidana, Vandana, Maxillariana, Cymbidiana, Dendrobiana, and 
Cypripediana.  I've probably left out a few (Bulbophyllums?), but the 
total number of breeding groups is likely to be less than 20, as 
opposed to the hundreds of Nothogenera now in use or contemplated.

If this or something like it were to be accepted, future changes in 
generic affiliation would help us understand our plants and our 
hybridizing programs better, without leading to the consternation of 
frequent changes to our plant labels or our memory banks.

My two cents,
--
Steve Beckendorf
Berkeley, California
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